We must be ready to let Nelson Mandela go, South Africa is told

Monday 10 June 2013 10:59 BST

epa03736002 (FILE) A file picture dated 20 July 2005 shows Nobel Peace Prize winner and iconic political prisoner Nelson Mandela during his birthday party at the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, Johannesburg, South Africa. Former South African president Nelson Mandela was rushed 08 June 2013 to hospital, where he is in 'serious but stable condition,' the presidency said. The 94-year-old was taken to hospital in Pretoria for a recurrence of a lung infection after his condition deteriorated around 1:30 am (2330 GMT Friday), according to a statement from President Jacob Zuma. EPA/KIM LUDBROOK

Nelson Mandela today remained in a “serious but stable” condition three days after being taken to hospital with a lung infection.

South Africans prayed for the 94-year-old’s recovery in churches across the country as their leaders appeared to be preparing the nation for the worst.

Mr Mandela’s condition was described as “unchanged” in an official statement released today. It is the fourth hospital admission since December for the Nobel Peace Prize winner. He was last discharged in early April after doctors diagnosed him with pneumonia and drained fluid from his lung area.

His friend Andrew Mlangeni told South Africa’s Sunday Times the moment was coming when the former president’s family and countrymen would have to let him go. “The family must release him so that God may have his own way,” said Mr Mlangeni, who was imprisoned with Mr Mandela in the Sixties, adding: “We will release him too.”

Yesterday Mr Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe and granddaughter Ndileka Mandela were seen visiting the hospital in Pretoria where he is believed to be staying. His wife Graca Machel cancelled an appearance in London on Saturday to be with him.